London Pub Implements Strict Over-18s Only Policy
A Hackney pub owner has implemented a complete ban on children entering his establishment, following months of escalating problems with what he describes as "entitled" parents failing to supervise their offspring properly. Egil Johansen, proprietor of the trendy Kenton Arms in East London, has declared the venue will now operate as an over-18s only pub at all times, sparking heated debate among patrons and the wider community.
From Restricted Hours to Total Ban
The decision marks a significant escalation from previous measures. Mr Johansen had already restricted children's visiting hours to 5pm, specifically citing issues with "hipster parents" who consistently failed to maintain order. Despite clear signage and repeated staff reminders, the problems persisted, culminating in yesterday's announcement accompanied by a symbolic photograph of "supervise your children" signs discarded in a bin.
The pub's official statement clarified: "After careful consideration, we've made the decision that The Kenton will now be an over-18s pub at all times. We want to be clear that this isn't about children themselves, it's about the level of supervision needed in what can be a very crowded, busy space. Ultimately, we're not able to take on responsibility of other people's children."
Divided Reactions from Pubgoers
The announcement has generated sharply contrasting responses online. Many regulars have expressed strong support for the move, sharing their own negative experiences with unsupervised children in the establishment.
Ross Kerslake commented: "Perfectly reasonable. Someone's unsupervised kids almost put me in hospital when I was carrying a tray of drinks." Martin Hughes added: "Totally agree with the decision. We never had an issue with our son because we always made sure he behaved. It's sad that others have to suffer because of lazy parenting."
However, other visitors have expressed disappointment. Rose Stout wrote: "That is a shame. We used to live on Queen Anne Road and come visit friends often. We love your pub and have a very well-behaved four-year-old." Matt O'Leary noted: "Obviously the decision hasn't been taken lightly but it's a massive shame that the actions (or inactions?) of a few parents has led to this."
Background of Growing Tensions
The Kenton Arms, which focuses on drinks rather than food service, had previously accumulated negative Google reviews mentioning "badly behaved kids," "babies crying constantly," and "buggies blocking walkways." Mr Johansen, originally from Norway, had previously expressed frustration about parents treating the pub "like a crèche" rather than respecting its nature as a licensed establishment.
In an earlier statement, the pub had warned: "Lately, a few have mistaken The Kenton for a crèche. We've had kids running around unsupervised, a couple of accidents, and parents blaming the pub instead of keeping an eye on their little ones. This is a pub, not a playground."
Broader Context of Pub Policies
While many British pubs welcome families with children, particularly those serving food and providing highchairs, individual establishments retain discretion over their policies. Typical family-friendly pubs allow children accompanied by adults until early evening hours, usually between 7pm and 9pm, though this varies according to management preference and licensing conditions.
Some pubs choose to restrict children entirely or implement specific child-free hours to maintain particular atmospheres or comply with local regulations. Licensing authorities do possess the power to impose conditions that prohibit or restrict children from specific premises when deemed necessary.
The Kenton Arms' decision represents one of the more definitive stances taken by a London pub regarding children's access. As the establishment explained: "As a small, drinks-led pub, our focus is on serving good pints and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere for everyone. This wasn't a decision we took lightly, but it's the most practical way for us to run the pub safely and support our staff."
